Moldovan martyrs with honey and walnuts

Mucenici with honey and walnuts - A traditional recipe full of flavor and memories

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 16 mucenici

Mucenici are a delicious traditional dessert that carries a story full of traditions and rituals. These sweet rolls, shaped like 8s or spirals, are often prepared on festive days, bringing joy and flavor into our homes. Whether you're preparing for a special celebration or simply want to treat your family, this recipe for mucenici with honey and walnuts is perfect.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 800 g flour (choose a quality flour for a fluffy dough)
- 250 g sugar
- 10 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 130 ml warm milk
- 130 ml warm water
- 100 ml oil (or 100 g melted butter for a richer taste)
- 2 eggs (one for brushing, one for the dough)
- a pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon rum essence (for extra flavor)

For brushing:
- honey (for a sweet and sticky taste)
- walnuts (ground, to add texture and flavor)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. Make sure the milk and water are warm but not hot, to activate the yeast. If you opt for fresh yeast, make sure to crumble it well before adding it to the mixture.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with a teaspoon of sugar and add the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step that ensures proper rising of the dough.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the milk, egg, 150 g sugar, salt, and oil. Whisk the ingredients well. Add the yeast mixture and gradually the flour. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. This should take about 10 minutes.

4. First rising: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes. A good idea is to place it on a radiator, where the temperature is constant.

5. Preparing the syrup: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, bring the water with the sugar to a boil and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the rum essence. Let it cool slightly.

6. Shaping the mucenici: After the dough has risen, knead it again for a few minutes. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls (you can make larger or smaller balls, depending on your preference). Roll each ball into sticks, which you will braid and shape into 8s or spirals.

7. Second rising: Place the mucenici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving spaces between them to rise. Cover them and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the mucenici with beaten egg and bake them for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy. Make sure to check them from time to time to avoid burning.

9. Finishing: Once the mucenici are ready, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, dip them in the sugar syrup, making sure they are well soaked. Brush them with honey and sprinkle ground walnuts on top.

Serving suggestion: This delicious dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of mint tea or fresh lemonade. You can also add a bit of ground cinnamon for an even more aromatic flavor.

Variations and useful tips:
- You can experiment with flavors by adding grated orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh note.
- Instead of oil, you can use melted butter - the dough will have a richer flavor.
- If you have leftover syrup, you can use it to sweeten other desserts or drinks.
- If you don't like honey, you can try maple syrup or another sugar substitute.

Nutritional benefits: Mucenici provide carbohydrates, protein from eggs, and healthy fats, especially if you use olive oil or butter. Walnuts add protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but make sure to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
- How can I store mucenici? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days.

I hope this recipe for mucenici with honey and walnuts brings you not only a delicious dessert but also beautiful memories with your loved ones. Enjoy!